News

Swedish Cheese Maker Acquired by Arla

SWEDEN – Swedish cheese specialist Falbygdens Ost will be subsumed within European dairyfoods cooperative Arla as of April.

The move has had the go-ahead from the Swedish Competition Authority. The acquisition was announced last October.

Arla will welcome around 100 employees in the takeover of the company’s Falköping plant where cheeses are matured and packed in what is the latest acquisition in a strategic push for broadening the cheese segment.

Henri de Sauvage, Executive Vice President for Arla in Sweden said: “This is a good deal for customers, consumers and Arla’s owners.

“The employees at Falbygdens Ost represent a proud tradition of cheese-making, and we are now in a position to work closely with them to develop passion and interest in cheese among customers and consumers alike.

“Falbygdens Ost is a strategic complement to Arla’s own cheese-making business, and the purchase ensures profitable milk sales for our owners – the Arla farmers.”

For Arla integration manager, Alex Racoveanu, the merger is “big, but exciting”.

“All processes – from initial order to final delivery – have to be brought together in the shared systems," said Mr Racoveanu. "And in everything we do, our ultimate aim is to become our customers’ first choice in the premium cheese segment. It is sure to be a lot of fun.”